University of Santo Tomas political science chair Dennis Coronacion said politics and public opinion could ultimately weigh more heavily than legal arguments in determining the outcome of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Speaking during DAILY TRIBUNE’s Impeachment Rundown, Coronacion said the prosecution likely began with Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment because it is among the easiest allegations to prove, as Duterte’s controversial remarks were made publicly.

He said the prosecution initially gained momentum by authenticating the video of Duterte’s statements but lost some ground during the defense’s cross-examination of National Bureau of Investigation witnesses.

“During the defense’s cross-examination, questions emerged regarding the credibility of the witnesses and the way the investigation was handled,” Coronacion said.

Still, Coronacion believes the impeachment articles involving Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds may ultimately present stronger evidence than Article IV.

He observed that the proceedings have become increasingly dominated by procedural objections and technical arguments.

While common in litigation, he said impeachment is fundamentally a political process meant to determine whether a public official should remain in office, not a criminal case.

“If this continues, the proceedings could last even longer than initially expected,” he said.

SC role

Coronacion warned that senator-judges may ultimately vote along political lines rather than solely on the evidence.

“Possibly, the senator-judges will not just vote based on the strength of the evidence. Political affiliation might become the basis as they give their verdict,” he said.

He also raised concerns over the constitutional uncertainty surrounding the number of votes required for conviction should some senator-judges be unable to participate, saying the issue may eventually have to be settled by the Supreme Court.

“As early as now, they should ask the Supreme Court,” he said.

w Coronacion also noted that both camps are crafting arguments with the public in mind, aware that courtroom exchanges quickly spread on social media and shape public perception.

Still, he urged Filipinos to look beyond courtroom theatrics.

“We should not allow ourselves to be swayed by the content-driven tactics of lawyers from either side. We should focus solely on the evidence and the witnesses,” he said.